An English couple, Roger and Sue Topp, hailing from Leicester, have opted for a Christmas getaway in Benidorm, the popular Spanish coastal town they have frequented over 100 times. Their enduring love for Benidorm, which they consider their “second home,” began more than 35 years ago when they decided to shift from traditional UK holidays due to the unpredictable weather.
Roger explained, “We used to do UK holidays, but it was always a gamble with the weather, then we came to Benidorm once, and that was it.” The couple praises Benidorm for its welcoming atmosphere, cleanliness, safety, and affordability, with prices like one to two euros for a glass of wine and a full meal cheaper than a takeaway in the UK. They find Benidorm unparalleled in terms of sunshine, entertainment, and community spirit.
Their fondness for Benidorm leads them to make approximately three trips annually to the beach town, flying from East Midlands Airport and enjoying extended stays during the cold British winter months. They typically stay at Hotel Rio Park, a popular choice situated a brief 10-minute walk from Benidorm’s vibrant main strip, where they have decided to celebrate Christmas this year.
The couple, married for 55 years, will jet off to Benidorm on December 23 for their eighth visit in 2021 alone. Their Christmas plans involve indulging in their favorite buffet, skipping Brussels sprouts entirely, and connecting with their family back home via FaceTime before reveling in the winter sunshine.
Reflecting on their previous Christmas experiences in Benidorm, Roger shared, “The first time we tried Christmas over there, we were blown away. The Rio Park Hotel puts on a feast for us, its breakfast, a huge traditional Christmas lunch, entertainment all day, and you can have as much wine and beer as you like.” The couple appreciates the stress-free holiday experience provided by TUI trips.
Enthusing about Hotel Rio Park, Roger and Sue emphasized its convenience, proximity to the beach, and the exceptional service from the staff who have become like family to them.
When not enjoying the hotel amenities, the couple explores the sprawling golden sand beaches or strolls through the Old Town. Their culinary highlight is a Chinese buffet named Puente De Oro, where they relish the abundant offerings at a great value of 19 euros with unlimited drinks.
Additionally, they indulge in the varied Tapas selection at Zodiac, a nearby bar, where they savor six plates of tapas and a bottle of wine for a mere 9 euros, appreciating the quality and affordability that keep them coming back.
Their trips to Benidorm, booked through TUI on multiple occasions, have been seamless, thanks to their local store’s team, whom they now consider as family due to their exceptional care and attention to detail.
TUI Travel Agent Cameron Morton, from the Hinckley store, has been instrumental in organizing the couple’s Benidorm trips for over a decade, reflecting on their loyalty to Hotel Rio Park and the friendships they have fostered during their visits.
<p class="Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh " data-tmdatatrack="content-unit" data
